‘…I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.’ John 5:30 NKJV

The third thing that describes Christ’s relationship with His Father is obedience. Jesus said: ‘As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.’ Jesus neither considered nor consulted His own will in the matter. Instead He focused like a laser on one thing—doing the will of God, no more and no less. Note the words, ‘As I hear.’ When you have heard from God the discussion is over; it’s time to act. God’s not going to change His mind, so you need to start changing yours and ‘get with the programme.’

When you make Jesus the Lord of your life, you give up three basic rights: (a) What it will cost you; (b) Where it will take you; (c) The extent to which it will change you. In order to enjoy a relationship with Jesus similar to the one which He had with His Father, that’s the price tag! You say, ‘That sounds very demanding.’ Yes, but it’s also very protective. When God told His people to do something, He also told them why: ‘…that it might go well with you…’ (Deuteronomy 5:33, 6:3, 12:28) God’s not trying to cramp your style, make your life hard or put you in a straitjacket. He’s a Father who wants only the best for His children. Isn’t that what every good parent wants? So when you walk in obedience, God’s best is what you will get.

SoulFood: 3 John, Jude, John 15:5–17, Ps 14, Pro 28:13–16

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©